next room dreaming of the care-free existence on the plantation
and of his idle, happy, negro companions.




CHAPTER III

THE WILLING WORKER

"Get up, William," said Miss Minerva, "and come with me to the
bath-room; I have fixed your bath."

The child's sleepy eyes popped wide open at this astounding
command.

"Ain't this-here Wednesday?" he asked sharply.

"Yes; to-day is Wednesday. Hurry up or your water will get
cold."

"Well, me an' Wilkes Booth Lincoln jest washed las' Sat'day. We
ain't got to wash no mo' till nex' Sat'day," he argued.

"Oh, yes," said his relative; "you must bathe every day."

"Me an' Wilkes Booth Lincoln ain't never wash on a Wednesday
sence we's born," he protested indignantly.

Billy's idea of a bath was taken from the severe weekly scrubbing